Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, has announced that the country’s general elections are likely to be held either in late 2025 or early 2026. Yunus, who currently heads the caretaker government formed after a student-led uprising in August, made the announcement during a televised address on Monday.

The 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate was appointed “chief adviser” following the revolution that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since taking office, Yunus has been under increasing pressure to set a timeline for the elections.

Restoring Democracy Amid Challenges

Yunus described his role as overseeing one of the most challenging transitions in Bangladesh’s history. Leading a temporary administration, he aims to restore democratic institutions in a country with a population of approximately 170 million.

“Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026,” Yunus said, stressing that reforms are essential before moving forward with electoral arrangements. Commissions have been established to oversee these reforms, with the final timeline depending on agreements reached among political parties.

Fallout of the August Revolution

Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister who had ruled for 15 years, fled the country in August when thousands of protesters stormed her residence in Dhaka. The uprising was fueled by allegations of widespread human rights abuses, including mass detentions, extrajudicial killings, and the politicization of courts and the civil service. Critics also accused her government of conducting biased elections to consolidate power.

Hasina’s administration faced intense scrutiny for undermining democratic checks and balances. The revolution marked a turning point, with Yunus now tasked with navigating the complexities of governance during this interim period.

Focus on Reforms

Yunus has emphasized that the priority lies in implementing necessary reforms before holding elections.  As per his claims, his focus must be on re-building the trustworthy in democratic-systems and ensuring that future elections reflect the desire  of the people. His administration is working on a roadmap to address institutional failures and establish a transparent electoral process.

As the country embarks on this transitional phase, the promise of free and fair elections offers hope for a new chapter in Bangladesh’s democratic journey.